Andre Onana has completed a short-term move to Turkish outfit Trabzonspor after slipping down the ranks at Manchester United. The Cameroonian goalkeeper found himself out of favor at Old Trafford following the deadline-day arrival of Senne Lammens, who pushed him into the role of third-choice keeper—something Onana was unwilling to accept. To resolve the situation, United and the player quickly agreed on a loan deal that will see him spend the rest of the campaign in Turkey.
Onana was brought to Manchester in the summer of 2023 as the chosen successor to David de Gea, handpicked by Erik ten Hag. But his time in England never truly settled. High-profile mistakes, particularly in the Champions League group stages, played a major part in United’s early exit from the competition. His shaky form gradually wore away the trust of new manager Ruben Amorim and the fanbase, with the Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby proving to be the final straw. That result fast-tracked United’s push for Lammens and placed Onana’s future in serious doubt.
Speaking to reporters in Turkey, Onana refused to accept full blame for United’s disappointing run, stressing that football is about collective responsibility. “We don’t play individual sports,” he told CNN Turkey. “When you win, certain details are overlooked, but in defeat, those same details are emphasized. Victories and losses belong to everyone.”
Despite the criticism, Onana made sure to show appreciation for the United faithful. “I love the Manchester fans and share a special bond with them. I want nothing but the best for the club,” he added.
His first appearance in Trabzonspor colors came in a narrow 1-0 loss to Fenerbahce, where he put in a solid display despite the result. The 28-year-old sees his move as a chance to start afresh, admitting the road won’t be easy but embracing the challenge. “We’ll win some and lose some, but my focus is on having a strong season here,” he said. “I consider myself a modern player, always ready to adapt to the team’s needs.”
Onana’s next opportunity to make his mark comes against Gaziantep on September 20, as he looks to rebuild his confidence and reignite his career away from Old Trafford.
